MacBook Pro: Now Or Wait? [Archive]

mvelinder

Jan 13, 2006, 05:15 PM

I'm currently a senior in high school and in the area of buying a new laptop for college. Currently, I have a Mac Mini - so I'm looking to switch over all with all of my computing on the MacBook Pro. I've read around a few similar threads about the MacBook Pro, but wanted to post a specific message about my dilemma.

Prior to the annoucement, I had just planned on buying a 15" Powerbook G4. I won't be using the MacBook Pro for any heavy editing or for that demanding of tasks, but my main problem is the possibility that something better will be released before I ship off to school in the fall.

I assume that there will be releases of 12" and 17" models of the MacBook Pro, but I prefer the middle-ground 15" anyway, so that won't be a problem. This also does seem to be the higher end model since it was released in place of the Powerbook and not the iBook.

Basically, I want to make sure this laptop will last me through college and into the professional world without any major setbacks like a huge release of an even faster and better notebook in the coming months.

The recent post on Cult of Mac (http://wiredblogs.tripod.com/cultofmac/index.blog?entry_id=1385976) about the apparent release of more things in the coming weeks really didn't help put my mind at ease about buying a MacBook Pro either.

I just want to put my mind at ease with this major purchase...

thairs

Jan 13, 2006, 07:00 PM

yankeefan24

Jan 13, 2006, 07:13 PM

wait. my guess is that the macbook pro was a "test" for the intel. I think that soon, apple will redesign it or the ibook and make it a much better machine.

Mike Teezie

Jan 13, 2006, 08:48 PM

wait. my guess is that the macbook pro was a "test" for the intel. I think that soon, apple will redesign it or the ibook and make it a much better machine.

How so?

What could they add or take away to make a better machine?

cliffrouse11bas

Jan 13, 2006, 08:59 PM

I think go for it if you want it.

pknz

Jan 13, 2006, 09:07 PM

I say wait until ~March, this way you can get some user feedback about it and you can see if there are any small changes Apple may have made.
You are right, the Macbook Pro is the replacement for the top Apple laptops, hence no other Apple laptop will be better until they are upgraded.

amac4me

Jan 13, 2006, 09:08 PM

If you can ... wait.

I was playing with the new MacBook Pro at Macworld today and the Apple guy who was going over it with me indirectly hinted at other models down the pipeline.

He stated that the entire Powerbook line would be transitioned over to Intel, I took that to mean the 12" and the 17"

skimaxpower

Jan 13, 2006, 09:17 PM

I'd say wait. Presumably, you won't be needing the notebook for school until September. First run Apple product always have some kinks to get worked out. Give them a few months.

Also be sure to cash in on your educational discount - you'll save 10%

generik

Jan 13, 2006, 11:15 PM

ortuno2k

Jan 14, 2006, 12:19 AM

Yea I'm kind of in the same boat too...
I'd say wait 'till Rev B comes out if you can.
Then get the MacBook Pro; I think that's what I'm going to do.

.Andy

Jan 14, 2006, 12:24 AM

Real men FTP/SSH their files.
That'd make the most kickass tshirt.

generik

Jan 14, 2006, 12:34 AM

Anyway now that the first MacTel is out, I really look forward to this:
http://www.transgaming.com/products_mac.php

Once it goes gold, Cya Windows! Up yours Billy Boy!

Dr. Dastardly

Jan 14, 2006, 12:52 AM

That'd make the most kickass tshirt.
That would make the most kickass sig.

sk1985

Jan 14, 2006, 01:29 AM

I'd buy a current gen iBook and wait till Intel's Dothan chips come out. They'll have better battery life, more power, and come in larger screen sizes. I've read that future LCD prices are going to hit an all time low. It's been estimated that a 20 inch laptop screen (recently announced) will cost about the same amount as a high-end 17 inch screen. Expect notebook price to drop several hundred dollars. Seriously I'd wait it out.

Also these mactel machines are going to be the black sheep future hardware. Too man cool features (that the powerbooks had) were dropped with these first macbook pros.

kwajaln

Jan 14, 2006, 02:39 AM

my main problem is the possibility that something better will be released before I ship off to school in the fall.
Dude, seriously, this is NOT a problem!! I am not telling you to buy now, but if you did and a "better" model came 2 weeks/2 months/2 years later - who fu*king cares?!? As long as the Mac that you bought serves you well, which I think we all know a Mac Book Pro (dumb name) would, that's all that matters! Particularly in the electronics and computer arena, you simply CANNOT put off a purchase because of the "gonna be obsolete next Tuesday" phobia. Everything eventually becomes obsolete, but what matters is how happy you are with that product until that fateful day, if it ever comes . . . .

generik

Jan 14, 2006, 02:46 AM

Dude, seriously, this is NOT a problem!! I am not telling you to buy now, but if you did and a "better" model came 2 weeks/2 months/2 years later - who fu*king cares?!? As long as the Mac that you bought serves you well, which I think we all know a Mac Book Pro (dumb name) would, that's all that matters! Particularly in the electronics and computer arena, you simply CANNOT put off a purchase because of the "gonna be obsolete next Tuesday" phobia. Everything eventually becomes obsolete, but what matters is how happy you are with that product until that fateful day, if it ever comes . . . .

Erm, given that it was a Rev-A product that was still a prototype 3 weeks prior to MWSF, let's not get this boy here too excited and jumpy shall we? He probably doesn't know how hard it is to make money yet.

I'd say it is best to wait. And anyway, college != must get laptop, seriously it is dumb. Having to spend 3 years of my life staring at a tiny screen, unable to play games, not to mention the expensive premium on portability. If you are willing to work smart (carry USB thumb disks around, etc) you do not need a portable at all, in fact it'd be *even more* portable for you, plus you have a real computer at home to use to boot.

oclor

Jan 14, 2006, 03:02 AM

I'm in my sophomore year in college and i bought a laptop right before i headed off to college. Getting a laptop before going to college is a fad that needs to be stopped. You will most likely never need your laptop in school. I love my iBook, but i only use it at home. When i go to school, i sometimes take it but it doesn't matter since my library lends out laptops. We have iMacs that we can use there aswell. This MacBook Pro thing doesn't appeal to me at all. Its features seem rushed. I think apple will come out with some amazing iBooks in a month or so. If you buy this, you will see a huge upgrade to its design and power before you graduate. I guarantee that. My iBook's screen is cracked, and like 1/3 of it is black so it's pretty tough to see what i'm writing right now. My parents offered to buy me a MacBook Pro but i said no because i know apple will come out with something better. I say wait, or buy an iMac cause its much cheaper and also more powerful.

redAPPLE

Jan 14, 2006, 03:21 AM

How so?

What could they add or take away to make a better machine?

hmm. where do i start? add a modem. add firewire800. not use a infrared remote control. add one more firewire400 port...

redAPPLE

Jan 14, 2006, 03:22 AM

He stated that the entire Powerbook line would be transitioned over to Intel, I took that to mean the 12" and the 17"

well that's good news, isn't? the entire powerbook line would be transitioned over to intel. that is one rumor i would believe. :rolleyes:

ezekielrage_99

Jan 14, 2006, 06:03 AM

The MacBook Pro looks pretty sweet, even though it's the first Intel Mac out I still think it would be a solid Apple product.

All I can if I have the cash I would be buying one :cool:

drbrog

Jan 14, 2006, 06:17 AM

I'd consider getting a used ibook to get through the next year or so. There hasn't been any software released for the intel macs yet so you'd have to run software with Rosetta. Let someone else be the guinea pig for that. Buy that intel mac in a year or two when the bugs have been ironed out.

Abstract

Jan 14, 2006, 09:21 AM

I was playing with the new MacBook Pro at Macworld today and the Apple guy who was going over it with me indirectly hinted at other models down the pipeline.

He stated that the entire Powerbook line would be transitioned over to Intel, I took that to mean the 12" and the 17"

He didn't "hint" at you. Other laptops getting the Intel chips is just common sense. ;)

Don't worry, even if other models get the Intel chip, you're only interested in the 15" anyway.

Also, there might be an update to the 15" MacBook by next September, but who cares? You were gonna get a G4 PB, and now you're worried that the current MacBook won't be fast enough for you to check your po.......erm, "email??" :confused:

EDIT TO ADD: I have a PB for uni, and I don't know what I'd do without the portability, so it's not overrated to have a laptop for school. Some people make due without them, but if you don't have to make due without one, then just get it and the portability will be there when you need it.

mvelinder

Jan 14, 2006, 12:20 PM

ozone

Jan 14, 2006, 12:52 PM

And anyway, college != must get laptop, seriously it is dumb. Having to spend 3 years of my life staring at a tiny screen, unable to play games, not to mention the expensive premium on portability. If you are willing to work smart (carry USB thumb disks around, etc) you do not need a portable at all, in fact it'd be *even more* portable for you, plus you have a real computer at home to use to boot.

generik and oclor are right. You don't NEED a laptop for college/university. Sure, it's NICE to have, but you don't NEED it unless you absolutely must have portable computing everywhere or if your future college absolutely lacks in computing services for students (some are awful admittedly).

Keep this mind... laptops are:
- easy to steal
- force you into generally poor ergonomic positions
- fragile
- heavy and/or bulky to haul around all day (sure, 5 lbs doesn't feel that much, but pack it with textbooks, lunch, and handouts, and it'll weigh you down - good laptop bags/backpacks themselves are a couple of pounds)

If you have a laptop, you're dragging all your files everywhere. You only end up using 10% of them at any one time, and if you lose them or forget to back up your data and it gets stolen, you're toast. Students constantly say how they want to use a laptop to type notes in class; forget it. Handwriting notes - which forces you to listen, synthesize, and only write down the key points - is far more effective. Typing is sometimes rude in a meeting situation unless you're appointed the secretary. I actually use a tablet which allows me to write in digital ink, but keep in mind that a 99 cent pad of paper will do what my $2000 machine does. Even better, you never have to boot up a piece of paper.

As for having the machine last you another 4 to 5 years until you're in the work force - doubtful. Whatever profession you end up in will likely require specialized software or hardware and you'll be looking to upgrade by then anyways, unless you only require web and word processing capabilities.

Yes, it is nice to have your own computer if you live on campus and it is helpful to have a laptop if you end up taking the train or bus on long commutes between home and campus during school breaks. But if you end up considering a laptop, think carefully. Video games are way, way, way overrated (you should be reading anyways) and you don't need to play them everywhere, and almost any current laptop will serve your needs. Unless you go into an unusual field or have specialized demands (e.g., computer animation), you'll likely never use your laptop in as many situations as you think you will.

After G

Jan 14, 2006, 01:14 PM

For the people who say college != must get laptop, I think it depends on your study habits. I had an eMac and I eventually had to get a laptop because I kept having projects with groups who would like to meet in places that weren't the computer lab, and I even told them "I don't have a laptop, let's meet in the computer lab." and it just got to the point where it was annoying, and I was more productive with a laptop.

You already have a computer; don't bother getting a laptop right now until you are at the "my computer is pissing me off, it's so damned slow" stage. By then, Apple will have come out with Rev B of the MBP or something even better, and you can smile until Apple takes the money from your credit card.

erkanasu

Jan 14, 2006, 01:36 PM

While I agree that laptops are def not required for college( im a junior biochem student) they sure are nice to have. Heres why,

- Sometimes its really hard to study your dorm/appartment while on your computer with all the freaking crazy loud **** going on around you, sometimes its a must to get out and head down to the library or coffee shop to get away from the racket.

- On campus computers are sometimes a pain in the butt when you want to get **** done. for instance, sometimes you have to wait in a line to use them, and secondanly, they are not personalized and you dont have your own "privacy"

- GROUP PROJECTS, its nice to be the guy in the group with the nice laptop running the show in a group project, you then are the leader and dont rely on anyone else.

thats my experinece at ASU

0s and 1s

Jan 14, 2006, 01:36 PM

I placed an order for the MacBookPro minutes after the Apple store was online again. It only took me a matter of days before I realized that it is simply overkill for what I need. I'm a CIS/Management double major and I mainly use a computer for iTunes, internet, word processing, and very light iPhoto work.

WHY would I need a laptop as fast as the MBP for my needs? I don't, so I canceled the order and purchased a brand new 12" iBook for $720.

The MBP is suited for a professional, and I, am NOT a professional....yet! ;)

Students constantly say how they want to use a laptop to type notes in class; forget it. Handwriting notes - which forces you to listen, synthesize, and only write down the key points - is far more effective.

This is an interesting comment. I use my laptop to type notes because I obviously type faster than I write. In regards to your reasoning to handwriting notes, I have to disagree. If anything, I write down more of what the teacher has to say, and in turn, helps me to grasp the concept efficiently. I'm quiet on the keys, which can't be said to the vast majority of laptop owners in classrooms, who try to tap as loud as they can to impress others with their "3000 WPM" skills, nunchuck skills, and bow hunting skills.

mvelinder

Jan 14, 2006, 01:42 PM

A laptop is not required for the first three years at the university I'm looking to go to, but after that I will need a laptop and a palm pilot.

So really I'm looking to get it now and not have to worry about upgrading it for 5-8 years.

I hope the MacBook Pro will fit the bill.

weldon

Jan 14, 2006, 02:02 PM

I would definitely vote to wait. Two main reasons...

* You'll get the education price when you enroll
* There will be more choices in laptops in the Fall (more MacBooks and new iBooks)

512ke

Jan 14, 2006, 02:05 PM

Abstract

Jan 14, 2006, 07:21 PM

So really I'm looking to get it now and not have to worry about upgrading it for 5-8 years.

I hope the MacBook Pro will fit the bill.

You sir are flippin' mad.

8 years ago if someone told me that I was gonna take nice looking photos using the camera that comes pre-installed on mobile phones, I would have told you that you were crazy.

What you just said is even more crazy. Tech changes quickly, and I doubt it would be worth your time or several hundred dollars to repair or replace broken, worn down parts on a 5-8 year old laptop.

And yes, consider the "split the money in half and get an iBook" advice just given above. It's actually not bad. People buy PowerBooks and expect them to last 4-5 years. Why not just get an iBook, which isn't very slow for almost all tasks (especially for students), and in 2-2.5 years time, get a new iBook, which will probably be so fast at the time that it would whoop your MBP's ass in terms of speed and capabilities.

generik and oclor are right. You don't NEED a laptop for college/university. Sure, it's NICE to have, but you don't NEED it unless you absolutely must have portable computing everywhere or if your future college absolutely lacks in computing services for students (some are awful admittedly).

I use my laptop for 4-8 hours a day while at my university, and I don't even have lectures. I like being able to access all my Mozilla bookmarks (I have 100s of bookmarks pertaining only to my research topic), all my experimental data, addess book, and even my photos and music anytime I want.

I also like being able to work anywhere I want, since I can never concentrate at home. As someone who went through his entire 4 year undergraduate program without a laptop (they sucked at the time anyway), and getting a laptop to use in my Masters and PhD program, I can clearly see the many benefits of having one. I have 7 years of university experience to back up my opinion, and could never go back to having a desktop right now.

supersalzme

Jan 14, 2006, 07:39 PM

I can't imagine NOT having a laptop for college. It was THE best purchase I have made for college, and can't even think about what it would be like without one. Once I live off campus next year, it will make it that much more needed to have a computer I can take back and forth to school. Wether you get one now, or later, it's the best investment for college I think you can make.

osustudent

Jan 14, 2006, 09:35 PM

OK, so you're thinking about spending $2500 on a new 'book.

Here's a concept for you:

Split the money in half. Use half of it to buy an iBook (either now or in March).

Invest the other half. Personally I'd buy Apple stock. I think it's about to split.

If that's too risky for you, then try a mutual fund, liquid CD or money market. That will give you at least 3% growth/year.

Let your money grow while you enjoy your iBook. When you're ready for a
new machine, you'll have money to get it.

This is the best idea I've seen in awhile.

With this being the 4th year at Ohio State, I'm mixed with the laptop idea. I personally have a 4 year old Gateway desktop, and an old P-II laptop. For some classes, having the laptop to take notes works. Others, it doesn't. And, while its not the quickest thing in the world, the old laptop gets the job done in class. For how much longer, though, who knows. Point being: speed is great, but you don't need the fastest thing in the world to type notes.

Since you already have a computer, I wouldn't shell out $2500 for the MBP, period. Since you have the luxury of time, you can wait until August to buy a new iBook (or whatever they name it), OR, even buy a new G4 Powerbook for cheap.

Seriously, while laptops at college may be slightly overrated, they are somewhat useful. It depends on the person and your major. But, you really don't need a top of the line computer at college.

ozone

Jan 14, 2006, 11:47 PM

This is an interesting comment. I use my laptop to type notes because I obviously type faster than I write. In regards to your reasoning to handwriting notes, I have to disagree. If anything, I write down more of what the teacher has to say, and in turn, helps me to grasp the concept efficiently.

Well, to each their own. I still disagree. I was hooked on portable keyboards, small WinCE devices for typing, etc. because I too type far faster than I write. I used them in meetings, in conferences, at seminars, etc. I found my typewritten notes are far less effective and even worse, do not allow me to me to make diagrams, make flow charts, make quick tables, etc. I've written down so much that it all seems important. Word processing my notes on the fly means I worry about formatting. I was a very good student and many of my peers wanted my notes because I did write down what the prof said, but at key points. I'm a prof now and I want to see my students paying attention, but I also want them to be able to pick through what's what is relevant and what is not. I believe it's the (recollection + your interpretation) that makes for good notes, and I find that's easier when writing by hand because typewritten notes almost lead you to try to write everything verbatim.

I also like being able to work anywhere I want, since I can never concentrate at home. As someone who went through his entire 4 year undergraduate program without a laptop (they sucked at the time anyway), and getting a laptop to use in my Masters and PhD program, I can clearly see the many benefits of having one. I have 7 years of university experience to back up my opinion, and could never go back to having a desktop right now.

Hey Abstract... you helped me out a lot in the past on this forum. I can't disagree with what you're saying. A laptop has many benefits. However, what I'm trying to get across is that many think there is this desparate and absolute NEED for a laptop. Like you, I was in university for many years - 11 - and now I'm a professor (for the last 4 years). I find that technology has its place and mighty convenient, but I find many of the younger students have misplaced notions about why and how technology should be used to assist them in their studies. Even now I sometimes wrestle with how to best use my tablet and occasionally wonder if being highly mobile has really helped me in my work, or just simply made me think I am.

matperk

Jan 15, 2006, 12:24 AM

* You'll get the education price when you enroll

As long as you're accepted to a school, you can get the educational discount. That's what I did and I bought a MBP for college.

I got the top of the line model, because I don't plan to buy another computer until I get out of school, and considering I do a lot of work with videos, I figured it couldn't hurt to pay for performance.

I just don't get some people. All the griping for upgrades, and when a major upgrade comes...what happens? people endlessly complain. No one even has any of these things yet. When you do, and you find something wrong...fine. Go ahead and whine. Until then, pretend like it wasn't released and whine about wanting an intel mac like you all were before.

bursty

Jan 15, 2006, 12:40 AM

so I canceled the order and purchased a brand new 12" iBook for $720.

How did you get it for $720? With my edu discount, it was $950. :confused:

mvelinder

Jan 15, 2006, 11:15 AM

MacRumorUser

Jan 15, 2006, 11:46 AM

Only more professional apps like Final Cut Pro or Photoshop would be temporarily affected by the Intel switch though right?

Wouldn't it be safe to get the MBP now if it's only going to be used for fairly basic tasks? Because wouldn't the updates in coming months simply be on those non-native applications?

I'm no professional. Do I need to worry?

No need to worry at all.

Office is meant to fly even with Rosetta. All iLife apps are univesal and internet browsing is meant to be super fast with the intels, even faster than the Quad.. What ever they've done to Safari, i hope they release a faster version for the PPC.

Bit for pro's - even the first batch of Photoshop tests look very promising using Rosetta let alone when it goes to full universal (probably when CS3 is released) and Final Cut is out in March anyway.

technicolor

Jan 15, 2006, 12:39 PM

You dont even have to be enrolled in school to get the education discount, if you buy online. You can just go in the education store, pick a school, and buy. Many ppl i know not in school did that for their ipods.

revenuee

Jan 15, 2006, 12:57 PM

i'm waiting for the rev b's, i'm taking a year off next year between finishing my B.A and starting my B.F.A and i want to travel so a desktop is just not suiting my needs anymore and i want to have a computer on the road to process all my RAW images so a Rev B. MacPro Intel loaded with aperture is going to be ideal.

if you are just going to school .. a laptop is NICE to have if you are spending a lot of time during the day in school.

but at the same time i like to disconnect from the world on once in a while.

also ... Rev A. can be buggy, particularly since apple has completely changed hardware architecture

you did mention you want it for when you go to school ... the EDU discount is a god send when buying equipment, use that when you get to school; rather then buying now. You mentioned you have a mini, if it does everything you need it to do for now? why not wait? i'm impulsive too and pulled out my credit card to make the order. But logic sunk in and a course of action presented itself.

mvelinder

Jan 15, 2006, 02:15 PM

Look like I'll wait few weeks after they start shipping to gauge the buzz and reviews.

Seems like the best plan of action at this point. Eventhough I likely wouldn't see any problems with the tasks I'd be using it for - I think I'll sit on my hands to make sure it's what I need.

Mord

Jan 15, 2006, 02:49 PM

Contrary to common belief, you do not need a laptop in Uni.

If you need to walk around school with your laptop trying to look like a million bucks (when you in fact have a million bucks worth of student loans to pay off) you are in the wrong course.

I've completed a degree in COMPUTER SCIENCE without the need for a laptop, far from it I find it a hassle generally. Real men FTP/SSH their files around anyway.

Your mac mini will perfectly suit your needs, just buy a 2nd LCD panel for your hostel and off you go.

or you could use a laptop as and when you need it and not care what people think of you, thats what i've done over the last two years of sixth form (i'm 17) and it's been great, i have a record on hand of all my work done in the last two years, people are always too conservative in their use of their laptops

mvelinder

Jan 15, 2006, 03:43 PM

Also, should I throw in AppleCare on the order?

I never bought it for my Mini - and I haven't had any problems with that one, so would it be worth it for my MacBook Pro?

matperk

Jan 15, 2006, 03:54 PM

Also, should I throw in AppleCare on the order?

I never bought it for my Mini - and I haven't had any problems with that one, so would it be worth it for my MacBook Pro?

I always get them on laptops. They move around too much and have a much higher chance of failure. We bought a windows laptop a few years ago, and we just kept having problem after problem. We're on our third laptop (each upgraded in features because prices dropped) and we haven't put in a penny more.

Apple support is reallly good too. They'll basically fix anything quickly.

MacsomJRR

Jan 15, 2006, 05:03 PM

I started college with a desktop but only used it for a little less than a year before "upgrading" to a laptop (best decision I ever made in my computing career). IMO unless you are a hardcore power nut there is NO need to ever even think about purchasing a desktop PC. I could go on and list ten gazillion reasons as to why this is the case but you've heard them before.

Also, why is everyone so scared of the first release? How many seriously terrible issues are there with first releases? If you ask me it's all just urban computing legends...

I'll be getting a MacBook Pro in the first month or two.

cwedl

Jan 15, 2006, 05:08 PM

I personally wait for 2nd revisions, that way any problems discovered by people in the 1st version can be fixed.

matperk

Jan 15, 2006, 05:31 PM

Also, why is everyone so scared of the first release? How many seriously terrible issues are there with first releases? If you ask me it's all just urban computing legends...

agreed, and even if there are issues, apple will fix them. They're not going to soil their name by releasing a product with a bunch of bugs, because they're known for good products, and they even if they had issues, they wouldn't let them go unrepaired in the computers of people who have them, because 1 - that's just bad business, and they dont' want any possiblity of people complaining a lot.

oh wait, people are already complaining, and they haven't shipped. :confused:

Bern

Jan 15, 2006, 05:42 PM

.... Also, why is everyone so scared of the first release? How many seriously terrible issues are there with first releases? If you ask me it's all just urban computing legends...

I guess it's not so much about being scared of a buggy system, but the more than likely event that a much improved model will appear in less than a year. This has been the trend with Apple for a long time. It's almost as if they send it out to see what the consumer response is and then make necessary improvements based on that... which actually is not a bad thing to do.

tveric

Jan 15, 2006, 07:58 PM

I'd say wait. Presumably, you won't be needing the notebook for school until September. First run Apple product always have some kinks to get worked out. Give them a few months.

Not to get off topic, but this argument has always seemed like kind of urban legend BS to me - I waited for the Rev. B PowerMacs and they had all kinds of problems with the fans ramping up to super-speed and thusly the CPUs putting themselves to sleep at random times - finally fixed by a firmware update. There's no reason to believe the Rev. B will consistently be better than the A's, and in some cases, like mine, the Rev. B actually had MORE problems.

direzz

Jan 15, 2006, 09:10 PM

So what kind of updates or upgrades would there possibly be in the coming 2-5 months or so?

Really, it might just boil down to me being satisfied with what I have... the MacBook Pro will likely do all I need it to and more without any problems. So I'll likly have to get over my 'not having the newest thing' phobia.

ughhh i have that phobia, and i dont even own a mac.. but i really want the mac book pro and i just kno i will die if come april a new product comes out that is so much better or whatever.

plus i can buy a pc labtop with 1.8 ghz for 1500

the mac book pro is 2299. but i honesltly want the macbook pro.

its just a roller coaster of confusion for me.

anyways.. im waitning untill next quarter just to play it safe.

MacsomJRR

Jan 15, 2006, 09:19 PM

Unless someone can show me solid evidence of 1st generation problems in new Apple computers and software (more than subsequent versions) then I'm not buying the "wait and see" argument.

so there.

T-Stex

Jan 15, 2006, 09:48 PM

I'm a junior Computer Science & Engineering student, and although I don't think a laptop is necessary by any means, I'd much rather have a laptop rather than a desktop.

The conveniences and comforts in being able to take your personal computer wherever you need to, whether it's to get out of a noisy room, meet a group for a project, or to avoid using university-owned computers, along with other things, are worth the few downsides of a laptop vs. a desktop.

As far as waiting to get your laptop, if that's what you decide to do, I might wait until the summer to order it, but only so you can be sure that you know what you want, instead of rushing the decision, when you have plenty of time to think about it. However, if you're sure you want the new MacBook (as I am), I wouldn't hesitate to order it (as I did). I wouldn't worry about any issues due to it being a first-generation product. Also, if you're not doing anything incredibly specific and demanding, it would probably be safe to go ahead and get it now.

mvelinder

Jan 16, 2006, 12:46 PM

One more question about the tricky dates...

Are the MBP's going to be showing up in local Apple Stores in mid-February too? And will you be able to buy them once they show up in the local stores? Or will there be a period where they are at the local stores but not availible for purchase?

I'll most likely be buying it in the local store (Aspen Grove) a week or two after they release in that mid-February to make sure there are no dead pixels, and other stuff and try it out in the store. Would they be willing to let me try it out in the store do you think? I normally get the impression that they are all a-holes in there, but maybe if I'm forking over $2499, they'll respect me a bit more.

Deepdale

Jan 16, 2006, 12:57 PM

Would they be willing to let me try it out in the store do you think? I normally get the impression that they are all a-holes in there...

You should be able to do all the hands-on testing you want in an Apple Store, regardless of the quality of the personnel working there.

mvelinder

Jan 16, 2006, 02:24 PM

My local store said they won't have MacBook Pros in the store until the end of February... a bit of a let down, but oh well.

Thanks for all the help everyone.

airkarol

Feb 22, 2006, 09:48 PM

I always get them on laptops. They move around too much and have a much higher chance of failure. We bought a windows laptop a few years ago, and we just kept having problem after problem. We're on our third laptop (each upgraded in features because prices dropped) and we haven't put in a penny more.

Apple support is reallly good too. They'll basically fix anything quickly.

I didn't purchase Apple Care on my Powerbook. I planned on purchasing it towards the end of the factory warranty. I had a lot of work done on my Powerbook, I got a new logic board, new display, new case.. I got all of the work done by Techknowsphere, located in NYC. Everything was done quick, and I also had power adapters replaced through Apple, and I got a replacement in the mail after a day or two.

I ended up selling my Powerbook last week, and if I bought applecare, it would've been a waste of money. I never used the extended warranty.

When I get the MBP, I don't plan on purchasing applecare until the end of the factory warranty. Something can always happen and I might end up getting a new laptop.

xPismo

Feb 22, 2006, 10:06 PM

Unless someone can show me solid evidence of 1st generation problems in new Apple computers and software (more than subsequent versions) then I'm not buying the "wait and see" argument.

so there.

ooooookay.

My sisters ibook, bondi blue 233mhz. Rev A:

Screw kicking around inside the case (!). Cracks in the lower part of the chassis. Sent it back to get fixed, arrived with someone else's harddrive! When I pointed this out, I was told to 'just erase it' (it had a lot of personal work data on it, which was very interesting to look over) but I was stopped in the parking lot by the shop owner who literally ripped it out of my hands. I never went back.

My Powerbook FW800 Rev A:

Spots on the screen, bend in the case near the dvd drive... and I found out after my hard drive started making strange noises, a _broken frame_. (!). I love it, but I can't stand this kind of damage. Not again.

Mac Performa 610, rev A:

Freaking CD caddy drive had a flange sticking out from the bottom, which sliced my hand deeply. I went to the clinic where they nearly gave me stitches. I was such a Mac head at the time I didn't even think of calling Apple and looking for retribution.

So, maybe I'm slow, but I really do believe the 'rev A = public beta' thinking is true. Your milage may very. I'll wait tll rev B or C from now on.

Valhalla

Feb 23, 2006, 12:40 AM

I am currently awaiting my MacBook Pro (en route as we speak.) I'm a junior biology major.

I would have waited for a rev B, but frankly I could wait. My PC laptop died several months back (2 batterys worn out in 3 years, 2 cd-rw/dvd drive failures, and 2 loud chipping screaming hard drive failures.) I've been limiting by on a unstable desktop PC, the other day it rebooted itself 4 times in 5 hours. Anyways it put me in the market for a new computer. Friends and family all have apples in one shape or form, so I limped by on a horrible desktop for months, because I knew apple was going to introduce intel within the year and had read the rumors that there would be intels in jan, so I waited. Then I argued with myself over and over back and forth between toshiba and apple. What pused me over the edge, those 2 failed hard drives were toshibas.

As I don't have an apple at the moment, I can't comment of the quailty of the macbook pro for you.

As for the PC vs Laptop. So far everyone is right, you can do perfectly fine with a desktop in college (hauling a thumb drive around), yes the desktop is cheaper, the desktop will be more powerful in most cases, and if you are in college then there is a good chance when you get out you will need a specific software (which may require a new computer or a PC even.)

I picked a laptop for a bunch of reason, but size and portability were the main two. A laptop takes up less space, which is at a premumium in a dorm (or a cluttered apartment like mine.) I travel, dpending on the GF's schedule I spend 50-100% of my weekends out of town (she has a laptop, but its a dull and we both need them over the weekend for school work.) And when I got home, well its a free for all, my sister has a thinkpad (when she is home) my parents have a gateway and both are always in use. Even around my apartment the laptop gets used as a mobile, either in bed before I sleep, out side on a nice day, at the desk to do papers and school work and in my lap to run things like aim while I am watching TV.

Sorry if this made no sense its kind of late for me and I'm having trouble putting my into words.

Cliffnotes: If you can wait to make sure that are no flaws in the macbook pro, then wait, just to be safe. As for laptop vs desktop, its just a matter of lifestyle and needs, I travel and need a computer that can go with me, plus i hate being anchored to a desk.

Valhalla

Feb 23, 2006, 12:42 AM

ooooookay.

*snip*

Even thought I am waiting for my REV A, I am glad that someone has actually given examples for what everyone keeps saying.

Synapple

Feb 23, 2006, 02:38 AM

ooooookay.

My sisters ibook, bondi blue 233mhz. Rev A:

Screw kicking around inside the case (!). Cracks in the lower part of the chassis. Sent it back to get fixed, arrived with someone else's harddrive! When I pointed this out, I was told to 'just erase it' (it had a lot of personal work data on it, which was very interesting to look over) but I was stopped in the parking lot by the shop owner who literally ripped it out of my hands. I never went back.

My Powerbook FW800 Rev A:

Spots on the screen, bend in the case near the dvd drive... and I found out after my hard drive started making strange noises, a _broken frame_. (!). I love it, but I can't stand this kind of damage. Not again.

Mac Performa 610, rev A:

Freaking CD caddy drive had a flange sticking out from the bottom, which sliced my hand deeply. I went to the clinic where they nearly gave me stitches. I was such a Mac head at the time I didn't even think of calling Apple and looking for retribution.

So, maybe I'm slow, but I really do believe the 'rev A = public beta' thinking is true. Your milage may very. I'll wait tll rev B or C from now on.

Not to be excessively negative, but... one (or a lil more) word:

Rev A iMac G5:

midpanes, power supplies, fans... everything blowing up, cracking down or silently failing.
All of this highly documented everywhere on the net... except for Apple discussions where relevant threads would suddenly disappear.
And, obviously, I'll spare you the noise problem.

This said, I bought one, got it replaced three damn times :rolleyes: , wasted a couple of months on it :rolleyes: :rolleyes: and eventually found my peace of mind on a Mac mini... which I love to death, together with my precious iBook. ;)

asherman13

Mar 5, 2006, 08:52 PM

Thought I might revive this thread; I'm going through a similar dilemma (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=184348).

For me, I have to deal with a PoS Dell at the moment (see the above thread for details), so I really think that I should have an MBP as soon as possible, and I'm waiting until the end of March until I would get it to have (I'd get to use it for one night when I need it, then for homework when my parents say I can).

My situation is definately different, however, to the OP (unless you ordered it already), I say that you should hold off, unless you need the portability now. You've got OS X, be happy. Also, make sure you have the money for it before you get it; there's nothing like having to pay your parents back for something that expensive.

Stridder44

Mar 5, 2006, 09:46 PM

ooooookay.

My sisters ibook, bondi blue 233mhz. Rev A:

Screw kicking around inside the case (!). Cracks in the lower part of the chassis. Sent it back to get fixed, arrived with someone else's harddrive! When I pointed this out, I was told to 'just erase it' (it had a lot of personal work data on it, which was very interesting to look over) but I was stopped in the parking lot by the shop owner who literally ripped it out of my hands. I never went back.

My Powerbook FW800 Rev A:

Spots on the screen, bend in the case near the dvd drive... and I found out after my hard drive started making strange noises, a _broken frame_. (!). I love it, but I can't stand this kind of damage. Not again.

Mac Performa 610, rev A:

Freaking CD caddy drive had a flange sticking out from the bottom, which sliced my hand deeply. I went to the clinic where they nearly gave me stitches. I was such a Mac head at the time I didn't even think of calling Apple and looking for retribution.

So, maybe I'm slow, but I really do believe the 'rev A = public beta' thinking is true. Your milage may very. I'll wait tll rev B or C from now on.

This is also very true with even iPods. My friend got a 3rd Gen. iPod (15 Gig) and about 3 weeks later the 4th Gen.'s came out. At that time I got a 4th Gen. (40 Gig) iPod, and I like the "click wheel" design ALOT more than the "4 buttons and seperate wheel" design his 3rd Gen. had. And the awesome thing was mine was almost the same price as his!

Also I waited on getting my Rev. B iMac G4 because they introduced the 17inch models at the time. However, my poor little iMac was slapped in the face when the Rev. C iMac G4's came out. (My iMac's video card runs at 2X AGP, and this changed with the Rev. C's)